Scars

7 Generations #2

by David Alexander Robertson, Scott B. Henderson (Illustrator)

Scars introduces White Cloud, a young Plains Cree boy, in the year 1870, when the last great smallpox epidemic swept through the prairies. After witnessing, one by one, the death of his entire family from the illness, he summons the strength to journey on to find a new home and deliver himself from the terrible disease. But will he make it? Scars follows White Cloud and the people he encounters, as he struggles to survive against impossible odds. The book also reconnects readers to Edwin, a lost young man on his own quest who was introduced in book 1, Stone. By learning about the bravery and perseverance of his ancestor White Cloud, Edwin summons his own courage and travels to confront the main source of his despair: the father he barely knows. Scars is the second book in the graphic novel series, 7 Generations. Books in the series: Book 1: Stone (published) introduces Edwin, a young man who must discover his family s past if he is to have any future. Book 3: Ends/Begins (forthcoming) features the story of Edwin s father and his residential-school experience. Book 4: The Pact (forthcoming) is a story of redemption, as father and son reconcile their past and begin a new journey.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Indigenous, Canada, Young Adult

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

DAVID A. ROBERTSON is a two-time winner of the Governor General's Literary Award, has won the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award, as well as the Writer's Union of Canada Freedom to Read award. He has received several other accolades for his work as a writer for children and adults, podcaster, public speaker, and social advocate. He was honoured with a Doctor of Letters by the University of Manitoba for outstanding contributions in the arts and distinguished achievements in 2023. He is a member of Norway House Cree Nation and lives in Winnipeg.

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scars is book two in the 7 Generations series, following the book Stone. We re-join Edwin in his modern day struggle, and his mother tells us of another of his forebears, White Cloud, during a 19th century small pox epidemic.

Once again, the story is riveting. I feel genuine investment in Edwin's past and future. We got more of a glimpse into Edwin's life, and I am eager to see where his story leads. The story of White Cloud is heartbreaking, yet hopeful. The art is powerful and emotive, but I do still wish that it had colour.

I definitely still recommend this series, as both Stone and Scars were excellent reads. Suitable for anyone teenage and up looking for a good realistic fiction comic. I look forward to the next book in the series, and I already have it on hold with the local library.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juin, Mois national de l'histoire autochtone.
Je suis tombé sur 3 de ces livres - je ne savais pas dans quel ordre les lires, mais je me suis dit que c'était un bon temps pour les lires.
L'histoire, va au delà des mots et des images.
Je dois trouver le 4e tome.

Celui des cicatrices était mon 2e, ça donne un sens au thème 7 générations.
J'ai eu l'impression d'avoir accès à une histoire parallèle de celle que je connais. L'impression d'avoir l'opportunité de voir une autre face des traumas inter-générationnels.

[Emilie Pelland · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually preferred this second volume over the first! The story continues in a way that feels a bit deeper and more emotional. What’s great about these books is how short and accessible they are. Perfect for classroom use. You could easily read both volumes in the span of a week with students. It’s also really nice to find a recent graphic novel in French that works well for teaching. Engaging, visually appealing, and meaningful.

[Mar · Rating 3 out of 5]

A mom (current day) hopes if her son gets in touch with his roots, he will be more comfortable with his current situation and make peace with himself. In this short graphic novel, the story of how smallpox impacted the Aboriginal population in North America is told. The graphic gives the basics, but the story lacks depth.

[Richard Tremblay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rupture est une saisissante histoire des pensionnats catholiques.

Malheureusement, la dernière histoire, Pacte, n'apparaît pas en numérique, remplacez par une deuxième itération de Rupture. Vice de transfert.

[wovenpink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Graphic novels don’t usually hold my attention. But this one did. Maybe because this one is about a true story based on history and Indians. I’ll definitely be reading Book 1 (Stone), Book 3 (Ends/Begins), and Book 4 (The Pact).

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A different perspective on 1870s history aligned with a contemporary story of struggle and resiliency as a young man learns of the challenges of his ancestors, told through a graphic novel format which enlivens the story.

[Narmeen · Rating 4 out of 5]

When there is hope in a painful history, preserved and passed down generations. You take inspiration from it and try to master the art of living❤️.

[Cait · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely packs a punch.

[Bhupinder Warha · Rating 4 out of 5]

It will be good